Napoli still pursuing Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus but need departures first

Napoli remain interested in Gabriel Jesus and are working to satisfy Massimiliano Allegri, who has asked the club to sign the Brazilian.

According to Calciomercato.it, the forward is not considered a starter at Arsenal and could move to complete the attacking options at Allegri’s disposal before the window shuts.

Napoli need sales before signing Gabriel Jesus

The obstacle is on the outgoing side. Napoli need to move players on before they can finance the deal for Gabriel Jesus, with Noa Lang and Lorenzo Lucca the two most likely to depart.

Bologna are interested in Lang as they look to replace seemingly Atalanta-bound Jonathan Rowe, while Lucca has drawn attention from a spread of Serie A clubs including Torino, Sassuolo, Fiorentina and Genoa.

Allegri’s interest in another centre-forward is notable given his public assessment of the striker he already has.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, the coach compared Rasmus Hojlund to Harry Kane but said the Dane still has significant room for improvement, particularly in his finishing.

Napoli opened their centenary season with a contentious 2-0 win at Genoa, De Bruyne and Vergara scoring.